Hey all, Im new to ATX

[MrWizard]

Hey everyone, my name is Chase Dokken and I just became a member of SCCA. I have only run one autocross event (last Sat. with RMC BMW CCA) and I loved it! I have just signed up for the National Solo event at DIA, and I was wondering who all is going to be there, and If i could get some pointers ect. I drive the '01 pewter corvette convertible for thoes of you BMW CCA people. Im looking forward to getting VERY involved in the sport!

[MrWizard]

Oh yeah, and they dont provide lunch right? Which leads me to wonder what else I should bring... Thanks!

[geoffbp58]

Greetings! I was corner #1 captain while you were working course at the BMW event; we spoke a bit. I'll be at the tour with my car; the black obnoxious BP Corvette with the checkered flag motif on the hood. Come look for me! The very cool thing about this region is that there are ALWAYS cheerful people who are excited about helping newbies- we all want you to have a no-stress weekend. The only people you probably don't want to ask questions of are the folks in the timing truck while the event is running. Otherwise, don't be shy- if someone doesn't know the answer to your question, they'll more than likely direct you to someone who can. I don't believe ther is any provision for lunch; bring food and LOTS of water. I would assume that Blue Sky Catering will be at the event; highly recommended! Make sure you have enough air in your tires, oil topped up etc. A lot of people bring air bottles, but supplying air for someone else can be a bit problematic. I hope this helped somewhat; any more questions, post 'em here! Have fun! Geoff Leicester BP 58

[MrWizard]

Speeking of having enough air in the tires, what tire pressure should i be runing? I just ran stock last weekend, but I read somewhere that i should go 10lbs over stock so... 42? 45? and I also read that I could take the car in and have someone dial in some negative camber and toe in. Where would I go to have someone do that for me and how much of each?

[arniecoleman]

Hi Chase,

I rode with you during afternoon runs. That Corvette of yours has a "surplus" of power (especially in wet conditions!) There's a large element of discipline in autocross. In your case, smooth, deliberate application of the throttle will keep that rear end underneath you.

Generally speaking, "extra" air in your street tires is beneficial to a point. 40 lbs is a good starting point, but the real answer depends on your tires. You need to "read" them after taking a run to determine where they are wearing, and adjust air pressure accordingly. If the tire is wearing on the sidewalls you need to add moreair; if the wear pattern doesn't reach the edge of the tread area, you need to let some air out. Adjust pressures in 2 lb increments. Of course, a reliable dial type air guage is an advantage. Most anyone at the Tour should be able to demonstrate the concept to you, but if you want to find me there, I'd be happy to show you what I'm talking about.

That's the general case. Any of you Corvette drivers out there are encouraged to provide specific real world data . . .
________
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[MrWizard]

Thanks for your help guys! I'll see you out there.

One random thought... Whats the top up vs. top down delema? I was just musing that autocross is too slow to really need the aerodynamic stability, and having the weight lower and farther back could help me engage the rear tires... I couldnt try it on Saturday or I would have drowned!

Also, anyone know any good mechanics to work on setting up 'vettes?

[MrPickles]

Hey Chase,

We spoke underneath the BMW tent during lunch. Feel free to drop me email with questions on the C5 setup. As well as finding me to ask questions at the event. You have a great handling car. And with the right setup you can be quite fast.

I drive the red C5, that was all stickered up at the BMW event.

Take it easy
Michael
m.feldpusch@comcast.net
#144(44) SM2

[MrWizard]

Thanks, I will definately see all you there! I wil probably be there all three days.

[Clay Turner]

Chase,

I haven't seen any specific info on the benefits of top up or down driving at our speeds, but I prefer to have the top down so that I receive more sonic feedback from the car; for example, a push makes noise, and I can hear it better with the top down. Likewise expensive engine noises, trapped cones and drivelines wrapped with barbed wire.

I also hear corner workers yelling at me more easily.. like, "dude, you're on fire." I want to hear that as soon as possible. :)

Clay

[JonathonBarton]

...and drivelines wrapped with barbed wire.Clay,

Is that what that "Hypercube" optional feature I keep hearing about was? An optional trans-dimensional off-road excursion with a Decreasing Radius Cow Slalom?

:)